New Study Says Coming Out Makes Teens Happier!

"Our study points to the positive role of coming out for youth and young adult wellbeing."

A recent study has confirmed what many of us already know from experience: that, for LGBT teens, coming out leads to much higher levels of self-esteem and self-satisfaction and lower levels of depression than in those who hide their sexual identity.

The study, which is published in the current issue of the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, analyzed data from the Family Acceptance Project's young adult survey, which asked 245 non-Latino white and Latino LGBT young adults, ages 21 to 25, about their experiences of coming out to their friends and school peers. The central focus of the study was trying to figure out whether the bullying and harassment that unfortunately often falls on teens after revealing their sexual orientation outweigh the emotional benefits.

"Until now, a key question about balancing the need to protect LGBT youth from harm while promoting their well-being has not been addressed: Do the benefits of coming out at school outweigh the increased risk of victimization? Our study points to the positive role of coming out for youth and young adult wellbeing" said lead author, Stephen T. Russell, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, University of Arizona.

This is an important finding, because, previously, parents and relatives have often counseled teens not to come out "for their own good," and this study indicates that this is, in fact, terrible advice.

"This study has important implications for how adults and caregivers support LGBT youth. We know from our other studies that requiring LGBT adolescents to keep their LGBT identities secret or not to talk about them is associated with depression, suicidal behavior, illegal drug use and risk for HIV. And helping them learn about and disclose their LGBT identity to others helps protect against risk and helps promote self-esteem and overall health," said Caitlin Ryan, Ph.D, who co-authored the study and serves as the Director of the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University.

Coming out can be difficult and every person's situation is different, so no study can speak definitively to everyone. But it's certainly cheering to know that, in most cases, the emotional benefits far outweigh the potential cons, and hopefully this study will encourage other teens out there to proudly let everyone know who they are! According to science, you'll be happier for it.

Do you agree with this study? Is there anything that you think it fails to take into account? Comment below.

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